Start your summer internship search early

I know, I know. I started my summer internship search too late. In my defense, I didn't have much information about these things. After all, I'm only a sophomore in college. What do I know? I know this now: Journalism internships or jobs are few and far between, especially in May.

We can say that print journalism is dying, but since there are still bustling newsrooms still in existence, I think not.

I've been dreaming to work in a newsroom ever since I was 8, when I received my first American Girl doll, Kit Kittredge. If you've seen the 2008 movie starring Abigail Breslin as Kit or have a child who has the doll, you know that all Kit wants to do is to write for the Cincinnati Register as a reporter.

While I want to write conservative editorial columns, the thought is the same: I want to be in journalism.

I did start my search far too late. The good jobs left are in New York City or Boston or Los Angeles. To be sure, my parents aren't keen on the idea of their oldest daughter leaving home for the summer, on my own. I've been frustrated recently, neglecting home chores to scourge the Web for anything that would be close to Allentown.

I found a local newspaper, but it, too, did not have many positions left. That was to be expected. I found a news reporter paid internship, but alas, I must be a junior or senior in college. I almost screamed in frustration. I want to prove my worth! I am a writer. Give me a chance! I finally settled on applying for an entertainment intern position that had not yet been filled. I have filled out the application along with attaching the resume and cover letter. Perhaps I have a chance.

Dear future journalists, listen to my advice: Start early and fill out forms often. As I have searched the Web, there are many opportunities, but many are closed after April. Since there are so many opportunities, fill out as many as you can. Beware that they are competitive. Being a conservative blogger, I covet the Fox News University internship in New York City, but that will have to wait. That could get expensive, too, unless you have a roommate (or three) to live in the apartment with you, plus adding in the cost of food and transportation and amenities. You get the idea.

I haven't heard about that internship yet, so I assume I didn't get it. I'm not whining; it's just the reality of our economy. Jobs aren't to be had, and I know I started too late on the internship search. Well, perhaps fate has something else planned for me.

Emily Baxter is a graduate of Parkland High School and is in the processing of transferring between colleges.